Rick Patrick
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA) Head Football Coach Colby Roberts knew going in when the ACA Warriors hosted the Eagles of Rock Springs Christian Academy, from Milner, Ga. that it was going to be a tough contest. The week before, the Eagles took the defending State Champion Cherokee Christian to the edge, losing by just one score. The Warriors put up a valiant fight, but in the end, the Eagles defeated the Warriors with a 26-14 score.
The Warriors struck first when Tripp Joyner threw the first of his two touchdown passes on the Warriors first possession of the game. The Warriors' two-point conversion attempt failed and the score was 6-0 at about the halfway mark through the first quarter. The Eagles responded quickly and scored two touchdowns in the latter moments of the first period. The first quarter ended with the Eagles on top 14-6. Both defensive units tightened and each team was held scoreless through the second quarter. The score was still 14-6 when halftime rolled around.
The Warriors were able to put together a scoring drive early in the third quarter and tied the score at 14 when Jace Grant punched the ball over the goal line for a successful two-point conversion. The Eagles responded with another successful scoring drive to retake the lead, 20-14. In the early moments of the fourth quarter, the Eagles added to their lead with another touchdown. The final score was 26-14.
Joyner went eight-for-19 passing for 144 yards and two touchdowns for the Warriors. Joyner also had one interception. Grant led the Warriors' rushing attack with 63 yards on 16 totes of the ball. Grant also had 106 yards receiving with five pass catches, including one touchdown. Gabe Gamalero had two pass receptions for 33 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, Dakota Hagan led the Warriors with 13 tackles. Aiden Day tallied 11 total tackles, including three tackles-for-loss and one sack.
The Offensive Player of the Week was Grant. Defensive Player of the Week for the Warriors was Day. The Warrior of the Week was Ryan Adams.
Next, the Warriors are scheduled to face the Franklin County Seahawks on the road in Eastpoint, Fla. The Seahawks are coming off a 35-7 defeat at the hands of Rocky Bayou Christian. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.